Anyone can code… but can Barbie?

Apparently, no, Barbie can’t become a computer engineer.

Mattel, the official company behind the Barbie brand, released a book titled Barbie: I Can Be a Computer Engineer. This book is so bad it’s shameful.

Now, the book is supposed to be about Barbie learning to code. It’s supposed to be about Barbie overcoming female stereotypes and inspiring young girls all over the world to code, too. However in actuality, she doesn’t even bother trying.

This frustratingly painful story goes like this:

1. Barbie says she can become a computer engineer and begins creating a game about puppies.
2. When it comes time to actually code, Barbie finds two guys to do the whole thing for her instead.
3. Barbie accidentally installs a virus on her sister’s computer, then seeks advice on how to fix it.
4. Instead of listening to the advice, Barbie finds the same two guys to fix her problem for her.
5. Barbie triumphantly declares: “I guess I can be a computer engineer!”

I wish I were making this up. If it makes you feel any better, Mattel has since apologized.

Note: I sincerely believe that anyone can learn to code, even Barbie.

Got a young girl in your life you’d like to inspire to code? Check out these two links:

• Let it code! – Disney teaches girls to code alongside two of their favorite Disney princesses, Anna and Elsa from Frozen!
• cuSTEMized.org – a site that encourages girls to pursue technology using motivational books and goodies.

Finally, check out this commercial (surprisingly, by Verizon). It’ll restore your faith back in humanity!